TIBET: Of late, Tibet has almost all but dropped out of political debate surrounding Sino-Australian ties. Is the cost of economic interdependence with China Australia’s right to speak on human rights issues – ‘The habit of rolling over and allowing Beijing to dictate the terms and shrug off constructive criticism of its handling of Tibet will hold inevitable consequences for Australia down the line.’? That said, how often do Australian politicians criticise their American strategic partners? Here’s a look at a small sample of netizen responses to this opinion piece on the Age.
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The true cost of Chinese imperialism is borne by those hiddden far away from the disinterested gaze of the outside world.
SteveH. – September 30, 2011, 7:04AM
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Why do we keep seeing so much rubbish written about China and Tibet. I suggest more Australians should travel to Tibet and Nepal and see the great contrasts in these closely related regions. I have traveled in Tibet and neighboring areas many times and I see there is no evidence that the people are oppressed. They can freely practice their religion and they are enjoying an unprecedented economic boom. The regions they live in are very harsh and cold and that led to a terrible feudal system which the present Chinese Govt has eliminated. Do we long to see these people go back to their oppressive feudal system? Is that what we want to see as tourists??
Dr B S Goh | Australian in Asia – September 30, 2011, 8:16AM
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Absolutely…the western world remains largely silent whilst the ethnic cleansing of Tibet continues. It’s a disgrace.
Help Tibet | Sydney – September 30, 2011, 9:18AM
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There is large Chinese community in Australia, most of them are still sympathy to Communist Chinese. There is no clear benefit for Australia to concern such issues like Tibet or Taiwan. But Thanks Dr Simon, you are alone on this issue, but a like a candle light in a dark room, you will be shining like a ray of light penetrate through darkness of ignorant, greedy, and injustice. Keep it up, your soul will be enlightened and your heart will be joyed due to your moral to stand up for the weak such as Tibetan. Good work.
Elite | Lidcombe – September 30, 2011, 9:37AM
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China’s power should not make it immune to criticism over Tibet
Simon Bradshaw
Source – The Age, published September 29, 2011
You’ve likely not read about it, but tragic news emerged this week from remote Sichuan province that two teenage monks of a besieged Tibetan monastery had set themselves alight in a desperate last defence of their culture and heritage. Also this week, and given far more prominence in Australian media, Prime Minister Julia Gillard signalled a greater emphasis on relations with China while commissioning a White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century.
While clearly there was no direct link between these two incidents, their juxtaposition highlights an uncomfortable truth for the Chinese and Australian governments alike.
Such stories from Tibet have become frighteningly common and it’s well understood among a majority of Australian politicians that China’s “economic miracle” and unrelenting development drive has exacted a grave toll on the land and people of Tibet. Read the rest of this entry »
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